Before a broker assigns you a load, they review your insurance carefully to make sure you meet their requirements and won’t create liability issues. Even if your authority is active and your truck is ready to run, you won’t get freight unless your insurance checks out.
This guide explains exactly what brokers look for in your insurance before they give you loads — and how to make sure you pass every time.
$1,000,000 Primary Liability
This is the first thing every broker checks.
Primary Liability protects the public if you cause an accident. While FMCSA requires $750,000, almost every broker requires $1,000,000.
If your COI shows anything less, you won’t get freight.
$100,000 Motor Truck Cargo
Cargo insurance protects the freight you haul. Most brokers require:
If you haul vehicles, heavy equipment, or high‑value freight, some brokers require higher limits.
General Liability Insurance
General Liability protects against non‑driving incidents, such as:
Many brokers require this coverage, especially for hotshot and small fleet operations.
Accurate, Clean Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Brokers want a COI that is:
If your COI has errors, mismatched names, or missing coverages, brokers will not dispatch you.
No Major Exclusions in Your Policy
Brokers look for exclusions that could create risk, such as:
If your policy excludes the freight they need moved, they won’t assign the load.
Active Authority and Matching Policy Dates
Your insurance must:
If your policy recently renewed, brokers want to see the updated COI.
Acceptable Safety Scores
Brokers check your safety profile before assigning loads. They look at:
Bad inspections or a poor safety record can cause brokers to deny loads.
To understand how inspections affect your insurance, see: Why Your Insurance Went Up at Renewal https://fleetguardusa.com/why-your-insurance-went-up-at-renewal
No Recent Claims or High‑Risk Incidents
Brokers prefer carriers with:
Claims increase your insurance cost and reduce broker confidence.
To reduce claims, see: How to Avoid Insurance Claims (Top Preventable Losses) https://fleetguardusa.com/how-to-avoid-insurance-claims-top-preventable-losses
Correct Endorsements
Depending on the freight, brokers may require:
Missing endorsements = no load.
Fast Certificate Turnaround
Brokers want carriers who can provide COIs quickly. If your agent is slow, you lose loads.
Fast COI service is a major competitive advantage.
Final Thoughts
Brokers rely on your insurance to protect themselves and their customers. If your policy is missing coverages, has exclusions, or doesn’t meet their requirements, they simply won’t assign you freight. By maintaining the right coverages, keeping your COI clean, and running a safe operation, you can qualify for more loads and build stronger broker relationships.
Related Articles
How to Avoid Insurance Claims (Top Preventable Losses) https://fleetguardusa.com/how-to-avoid-insurance-claims-top-preventable-losses
How to Reduce Insurance Costs for Small Fleets https://fleetguardusa.com/how-to-reduce-insurance-costs-for-small-fleets
How to Prepare for Your First Insurance Renewal as a New Authority https://fleetguardusa.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-insurance-renewal-as-a-new-authority
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